It seems like after being out of the states this is what I get from the people back here in the states.
You get asked "have you got all your shopping done?" or "are you ready for Christmas?" the answer is no and no. I never have and never will be. The fact is when going through my box of bags bows and stuff I actually found stuff for a friend of mine from last year that I didn't even send to her. Sad isn't it!!
Last year we thought we were doing everything right and STILL a whole two boxes were not even sent out right and I sent two unknown boxes to destinations unknown and even when called by the pack and wrap place and sending the "right stuff" I felt like such a fool. Such time spent on finding the right gift (ok not my time but the Hubby's time). But he spent all that time was ahead of Christmas only to be sent well after Christmas only because of a mix up. All to have no feed back if it was well received.
Now... I have to be honest when you are so far away (even if you can still pick up a phone mentally you are still far away) you don't communicate like you do when you are in the states. So... I don't communicate like I'm supposed to sometimes and don't say what I am supposed to and send the thanks for the things I am supposed to.
I guess things used to be simple back when it was just Santa bringing something under the tree and me making something for Mema and Pa out of something I found on the beach when we were down on the gulf coast for Christmas since I had no money to spend. Of course this is 30 years ago!!
Here is the deal. I just can't stress over what to buy. No really, I can't!! I won't and I will get what I can but I have to let it go. I can't buy for those that have everything they need. I can only get creative and buy for what I know that they don't have and I feel they will like. My kids need nothing. I need nothing... just love and I have that. I have kisses... I have been hugged today. That is all I need. I have a dog who puts his nose on my lap and just unconditionally trust and loves me. She gets bones and is happy. Believe it or not I'm happy with a bone (ok we call them oatmeal squares and she can't tell the difference between them and a treat).
So... I just want to say... truly I'm working on it!! Finding the right gift...I got something in my mail or rather it was actually a bulletin on MYSPACE but it hit home!! I BLOG because I don't do E-MAIL forwards. So many people read this BLOG. Maybe this will touch you like it touched me. Please copy and send it to people. It is really good and maybe it will put the focus back on where Christmas really needs to me!!
REFLECTING on this... FUNNY THIS IS what was read at my wedding!! THE #1 scripture read at most wedding!! My anniversary is on the 19th. 18 years WOW!!... and no, I have NOT bought a present for that... don't get me started on that... hurry up and buy for your anniversary!
CHRISTMAS LOVE
(paraphrase of 1st Corinthians 13)
If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls, but do not show love to my family, I'm just another decorator.
If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime, but do not show love to my family, I'm just another cook.
If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home and give all that I have to charity, but do not show love to my family, it profits me nothing.
If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties and sing in the choir's cantata but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point.
Love stops the cooking to hug the child.
You get asked "have you got all your shopping done?" or "are you ready for Christmas?" the answer is no and no. I never have and never will be. The fact is when going through my box of bags bows and stuff I actually found stuff for a friend of mine from last year that I didn't even send to her. Sad isn't it!!
Last year we thought we were doing everything right and STILL a whole two boxes were not even sent out right and I sent two unknown boxes to destinations unknown and even when called by the pack and wrap place and sending the "right stuff" I felt like such a fool. Such time spent on finding the right gift (ok not my time but the Hubby's time). But he spent all that time was ahead of Christmas only to be sent well after Christmas only because of a mix up. All to have no feed back if it was well received.
Now... I have to be honest when you are so far away (even if you can still pick up a phone mentally you are still far away) you don't communicate like you do when you are in the states. So... I don't communicate like I'm supposed to sometimes and don't say what I am supposed to and send the thanks for the things I am supposed to.
I guess things used to be simple back when it was just Santa bringing something under the tree and me making something for Mema and Pa out of something I found on the beach when we were down on the gulf coast for Christmas since I had no money to spend. Of course this is 30 years ago!!
Here is the deal. I just can't stress over what to buy. No really, I can't!! I won't and I will get what I can but I have to let it go. I can't buy for those that have everything they need. I can only get creative and buy for what I know that they don't have and I feel they will like. My kids need nothing. I need nothing... just love and I have that. I have kisses... I have been hugged today. That is all I need. I have a dog who puts his nose on my lap and just unconditionally trust and loves me. She gets bones and is happy. Believe it or not I'm happy with a bone (ok we call them oatmeal squares and she can't tell the difference between them and a treat).
So... I just want to say... truly I'm working on it!! Finding the right gift...I got something in my mail or rather it was actually a bulletin on MYSPACE but it hit home!! I BLOG because I don't do E-MAIL forwards. So many people read this BLOG. Maybe this will touch you like it touched me. Please copy and send it to people. It is really good and maybe it will put the focus back on where Christmas really needs to me!!
REFLECTING on this... FUNNY THIS IS what was read at my wedding!! THE #1 scripture read at most wedding!! My anniversary is on the 19th. 18 years WOW!!... and no, I have NOT bought a present for that... don't get me started on that... hurry up and buy for your anniversary!
CHRISTMAS LOVE
(paraphrase of 1st Corinthians 13)
If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls, but do not show love to my family, I'm just another decorator.
If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime, but do not show love to my family, I'm just another cook.
If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home and give all that I have to charity, but do not show love to my family, it profits me nothing.
If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties and sing in the choir's cantata but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point.
Love stops the cooking to hug the child.
3 comments:
I'm not ready for Christmas... but rarely have I ever been ready, I try to enjoy the season. If I have to...will be sending out IOU's for the gifts... most people know me and forgive me for my shortcomings....
Micki you are one of the most giving people I know...with your time and Love...you will always have a special place in my heart.
and you ... might still get that present I didn't get to you last year that Andrew picked out for you ;) oops!! Funny... as I sit here and someone gave me the option of a gift or a good lunch with one of my friends I would take the lunch anyday. Ok, everyday, twist my arm. That is what I miss most is lunches with my friends!! Just hanging out and watching a movie or lunch. You I trust my kids with, my dog with and me with. Thanks for taking care of me!! FOREVER!!
I will always take having time with my friends...than a present. Time is the most precious commodity to have with someone. I missed you very much when you were on the other side of the world, glad I got you for 3 weeks in Sept. Know we will be spending more time together this summer... save that extra bed for me. I always have time and room for you and your family. LOVE YA!!!!
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